Small Wins, Big Shifts

I recently decided to restart my fitness journey. I has felt like hitting the reset button. But if I keep it real, this is not the first time I've done this.

This time however I’m approaching it differently. In the past, I would pile on all the expectations: perfect meal prep, strict routines, flawless consistency. And when I inevitably fell short, I’d spiral into guilt, leading me abandon the effort for 6 months. This time around, I’m not chasing perfection. I’m focusing on small, intentional wins that slowly build momentum.

For my first week, which started on Sept 1st, I gave myself just one goal: get to the damn gym. That was my Win. My goal. My Mission. Nothing else. I decided that whatever workout I did once I got there was simply a bonus. Taking the pressure off made it easier to actually show up. And that, I’ve realized, is the real battle. At least for me.

Another hurdle I’ve had to face is gym anxiety. For a long time, I tried to game the system by either forcing myself into a 5am routine (which never stuck) or waiting until 7:30 or 8pm when the gym was emptier. Both approaches left me frustrated and inconsistent. So im chaging failed protocol that with something new: going right after work, around 4–4:30pm. I know, so innovative!! Ive discovered that It’s not empty, but it’s manageable and not the busy jungle my brain insisted on picturing for me. More importantly, it fits my actual life rhythm instead of fighting against it.

This shift in mindset has been freeing. My “win” is simply showing up. I’m learning to honor that as enough. My plan is that each small step becomes a stepping stone toward the bigger picture: building consistency. And consistency, I’ve learned, is far more powerful than perfection could ever be.

I might share another post with the routine I've build for now. As well as detailing the approach im now using for each of the exercises im doing. That is a whole different journey, but.....small steps.